Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras is the latest Democrat to announce she will join the Republican Party over the past weeks as the GOP solidifies power after President-elect Donald Trump's electoral victory.
Speaking to The Floridian, Porras said the election "was a clear and resounding message from voters that our country needed a strong leader." "President Trump's leadership transcends all levels of government," she added.
The official went on to criticize her now former party, saying it does not represent her "values and those of the majority of Americans." "They have prioritized minority opinions and neglected to understand and address the real issues affecting our communities," she added.
Asked whether she believed the party was embracing "socialist values" like those seen by her family, which hails from Nicaragua, Porras said yes: "Sadly, I have seen socialist ideas and beliefs from communist regimes seep into the Democratic Party and different Democratic groups."
Porras follows two other Democrats who joined the Republican Party in December, state Reps. Hillary Cassel and Susan Valdes. The former did so citing concerns including the party's position on the Israel-Hamas war.
In a statement, Cassel, a "proud Jewish woman," expressed frustration with the Democratic Party's "failure to unequivocally support Israel" and its tolerance of "extreme progressive voices" she believes justify or condone terrorism. "I can no longer remain in a party that doesn't represent my values," she said.
Cassel emphasized her commitment to serving her constituents and noted that joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives aligns with her vision for a "better, more prosperous Florida."
Valdes, on her end, also cited frustration with the Democratic Party, saying "I will not waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community."
The representative expressed enthusiasm for Speaker Daniel Perez's vision for the House, emphasizing her desire to collaborate on addressing real issues facing her constituents. "I'm tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress," she explained.
Another official Texas notably switched parties in December: Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, who ended a decade-long tenure as a Democrat in the elected role. "Over the years, I've watched the Democratic Party shift further and further to the left. I've always been a Conservative, and the radicalization of the national Democrats pushed me away a long time ago," Tijerina said during a Fox News interview.
He added that border security and threats against the oil and gas industry in south Texas were major reasons for the switch, in addition to the Democratic Party's growing "woke" movement.
"From the boys playing in girls sports and what not, it's something that I have to do. It's something that's dear in my heart, and I have a moral compass that I need to continue moving forward," Tijerina added in defense of his decision.
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